Casa Antoni Amatller

Josep Puig i Cadafalch
1900
Passeig de Gràcia 41; L'Eixample District

This is one of three houses in this fashionable block designed by a prominent Modernista architect, the other two being Casa Morera by Domènech i Montaner and Casa Batlló by Gaudí. But each of the houses is in a very different style, giving rise to the punning term Mançana de la Discòrdia, meaning "apple of discord" (mançana is the Catalan word for both "apple" and "block"). These three houses were all essentially remodelling jobs with alterations to existing buildings. Here Puig i Cadafalch designed the facade, a foyer, and the owner's residence in the "new" Modernista style.

Left: Casa Amatller in the center with Casa Batlló to the right; center and right: views of the facade

The sculptor Eusebi Arnau created the St. George with the dragon which decorates the doors on the left side of the asymmetrical facade. (St. George or Sant Jordi is the patron saint of Catalonia.)

The facade has decorative sculpture and stonework, beautiful wrought iron ornament, tiles, and subtle sgraffiti. Stylistic borrowings are eclectic with the stone work resembling Gothic carving and the facade roof line straight from 17th century Holland.

The door and window on the right side of the asymmetrical facade

The roof (with Casa Batlló to the right)

(I'm sorry that the trees bock so many of the views. I plan to return to Spain this winter and retake photographs with barren trees!)